Sorting the Sniffles .. and other Winter bugbears.
Follow our guide to dealing with the Winter bugs and nasties in a completely natural way with complementary health and natural medicines.
Colds
The average adult has 2-3 bouts of the common cold per year, and we are coming to the season where it all starts, so stock up - prevention is always better than cure:
Herbal Treatments
An infusion of peppermint, Eucalyptus and Camomile. Drink x 3 a day. To this infusion may be added Cayenne to stimulate the circulation, or Cinnamon which has a gentle warming effect, or Ginger root grated into the infusion, which will induce sweating.
Supplements and Diet
Vitamin C and Zinc lozenges.
Increase your Vitamin C intake to 500mg every 4 hours until symptoms subside. Also Sambucol (Elderberry) tincture or lozenges - take x 6 a day until symptoms subside (3-4 days)Cut out all milky and mucus-forming foods such as cheese, yoghurt, red meat. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and freshly made vegetable soups. Drink plenty of fluids - water, hot water with lemon, honey and ginger, and diluted fruit juices and drink continually throughout day, to flush the body of infection.Bronchitis
This is a painful cough that typically follows an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or Flu.
Herbal Therapy
Rub the following essential oils gently on the chest: lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, or Tea tree. Always dilute in a carrier oil such as olive oil. If it is more serious, use one or all three of the following in a steam inhalation: Friar’s Balsam - this has a warming and relaxing effect on the Bronchi Frankincense - an expectorant, that slows and deepens the breathing Myrrh - an anti-infective, helps to loosen and shift sticky mucus
Homeopathy
For acute stages, if more serious seek professional help:
Aconite: for early stages, dry cough and slight fever
Bryonia: for dry, hacking cough made worse by changing temperatures
Ipecacuanha: for spasmodic cough, “rattly” mucus and vomiting
Phosphorus: dry, tickly cough, with tight feeling around chest, loss of voice
Flu
More severe than a cold and more debilitating. Generally you know you’ve got flu if you’re running a fever, have a headache, aching muscles, feel weak and cannot get out of bed
Herbal Therapy
In early stages drink a warming tea made with: Cinnamon with some Cayenne (1/2 teaspoon) or ground Ginger added.
If more feverish, provoke sweating by an infusion of: Catmint and/or Elderflower. Deep muscular aching is relieved by: An Infusion of Boneset - either on its own or with Catmint and/or Elderflower
Aromatherapy
Take high levels of Vitamin C from the onset - 500mg-1000mg every 4 hours, until symptoms subside. Restrict the diet - stick to water and diluted fruit juices, and warm teas. Once fever has passed move onto fruit, vegetable soups, and steamed vegetables. Stay in bed.
Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis occurs when an infection of the throat or nose spreads to the sinuses - the cavities in the bones beneath the eyes - and can be very painful.
Aromatherapy
Steam inhalations work directly on the sinuses and loosen thick mucus and fight infection. Choose from: Camomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Thyme or Tea Tree, or a combination of these oils. With acute sinusitis steam x 4 day.
Herbal Therapy
Using infusions internally can help to reduce inflammation and catarrh. Use the following herbs: Catmint - reduces nasal congestion and help to liquefy mucus Elderflower - reduces inflammation and eases congestion Goldenseal - astringent effect, cools and tones swollen membranes Garlic - take plenty either raw or in capsules, to fight infection.
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